State Farm may take several months at a minimum to settle claims after an accident. In some cases, it may take a year or more to secure a reasonable settlement from this insurance company.
You can take steps to minimize the time you have to wait for a settlement by hiring an Atlanta insurance claims lawyer immediately after a collision. An attorney can handle all settlement negotiations on your behalf and deal with stall tactics used by companies like State Farm to delay claims.
How Long Does State Farm Take to Settle Claims?
Several factors can affect how long it takes State Farm to settle your insurance claim. For some victims, the review process will be quick and completed within a few weeks. Others may need to wait three to six months before the company makes a decision.
State Farm insurance adjusters may take longer to review a claim if the injury victim has not yet reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). They wait because they may need to pay more on your claim if you have not yet fully recovered.
It may take longer for insurance adjusters to review your claim if you are receiving ongoing mental health counseling, physical or occupational therapy, or additional treatment for your injuries. State Farm could also take longer to process your claim depending on:
- Whether multiple parties share liability
- How the accident occurred
- The amount of evidence submitted with your claim
- The amount of coverage the policyholder purchased
An Atlanta personal injury lawyer can take steps to minimize the time you have to wait for a settlement.
Stages of Handling an Insurance Claim with State Farm
Your insurance claim will go through various stages when you request compensation from State Farm. The company will need to review your claim, offer a settlement, go through negotiations, and then complete the settlement process before paying your claim.
How Long Does It Take State Farm to Review a Claim?
State Farm may take weeks or months to review the facts of your situation. Unfortunately, it is common for insurers like State Farm to take advantage of you by delaying the processing of your claim.
The company may drag out the review process in the hope that you will therefore take a subpar settlement. Fortunately, experienced attorneys can guide you through the necessary steps in this situation.
How Long Does State Farm Take to Offer a Settlement?
State Farm may offer an initial settlement in the days immediately after a crash. However, personal injury attorneys recommend against accepting this settlement without a review from a legal professional.
Initial settlements often undervalue the losses of injury victims. You may have to wait months to get a valid offer.
How Long Does It Take to Negotiate with State Farm?
Your lawyer may spend months negotiating with State Farm on your behalf.
How Long Does State Farm Take to Pay a Claim?
Generally, State Farm must provide you with money to cover your losses within a month of settling a personal injury claim. Therefore, you should still expect a wait to get compensation after the conclusion of the settlement process.
If the company waits too long to provide compensation, it may exceed the State Farm claim time limit, and your lawyer can take additional action.
State Farm May Act in Bad Faith
It is common for insurance companies like State Farm to act in bad faith. However, when insurance companies handle your claim inappropriately, your car accident attorney can hold them accountable.
State Farm and other insurers must process your claim promptly so that you can access the compensation and benefits you need. When they intentionally delay the processing of your claim or handle your claim negligently, you may have grounds for legal action against them.
Examples of insurers handling claims in bad faith include:
- Misrepresenting coverage types and limits
- Advising victims not to seek legal help or support
- Failing to reply to a claim in a timely manner
- Failing to notify the victim of damages after inspection
- Misguiding the policyholder regarding the types and amount of coverage
- Misattributing vehicle damages
- Refusing to make a reasonable and fair settlement offer
An attorney can help you handle acts of bad faith and explain how long it takes State Farm to settle claims.
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How to Get Your State Farm Claim Processed More Quickly
There are steps you can take to get your State Farm claim processed more quickly when you suspect the insurance adjuster handling your case is delaying your claim review.
1. Contact Your Insurance Company
First, contact the insurance company directly. When you call State Farm, the company records all calls, so you will have evidence to support your efforts to prove the insurer is acting in bad faith.
You can ask the adjuster handling your claim what you need to do to expedite the process. The insurer should provide the answers you need to accelerate the review of your claim. You may also check your State Farm claim status in some cases.
2. Be Cooperative
The State Farm insurance adjuster handling your claim will need to take a careful look at the details of your case to determine how much you should recover in your settlement. Although you should never speak with the insurance company without your attorney present, you also have the option of directing State Farm insurance to your car accident attorney.
Allowing your lawyer to handle your claim can take the pressure off you so that State Farm can get the facts it needs without putting your settlement at risk. The last thing you need is to accidentally make a statement to the insurance company that can be manipulated and used against you to reduce your payment.
3. Be Honest
To expedite the processing of your car accident claim with State Farm, you must be honest in all your communications with them. Exaggerating the extent of your injuries can damage your claim.
Medical professionals and vehicle repair shops see the aftermath of motor vehicle accidents daily. They understand the level of financial expenses, physical injuries, emotional trauma, anxiety, and stress that are involved. If you attempt to embellish how the car accident has impacted your life, they will report these concerns to State Farm.
Do not exaggerate anything, but do include even seemingly minor details when you are discussing the impact of the accident with your car accident lawyer and healthcare providers. Your attorney and physicians can guide you on what is valid to share and what could be unnecessary.
Talk to Us About Getting a Settlement from State Farm
So, how long does it take State Farm to settle claims? The insurance company may take several months to process your claim. However, with over 350 years of combined experience under their belts, you can trust the car accident attorneys at John Foy & Associates have what it takes to make State Farm pay.
We will also assist you in bringing your car accident case to court should that become necessary. Please fill out our confidential contact form or call our office to find out what is next for your State Farm insurance claim.
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